2019 Tesla Model 3: backup camera failure

Filed May 6, 2026 · Driver assistance · NM · crash

There was a failure of a rear camera to detect the proximity of a closed garage door when in reverse in a driveway. The result was hitting the garage door and damaging the garage door as a result. This could be dangerous as there was no warning on the backup camera screen and no audible warning. This was a very expensive repair given the garage door was a unique color and design.

Filed Feb 11, 2026 · Driver assistance · 81,952 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the rearview camera became inoperable while opening the trunk. The message “Camera Not Available” was displayed. The contact stated that the rearview camera functionality returned after opening and closing the trunk several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the rearview camera wiring harness had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact informed the dealer that the vehicle had previously been associated with a recall related to the failure; however, the dealer did not repair the vehicle under the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 81,952.

Filed Jul 29, 2025 · Driver assistance · MO

My vehicle was working fine when Tesla issued an over-the-air software update recently. The next day, my backup camera was not working. The back up camera is required for this vehicle under FMVSS 111 and is otherwise essential for this vehicle due to limited rear vision through the rear window. In addition, GPS/navigation stopped working, the windshield wipers did not function on certain settings and the display was at times not legible, presumably because it believed it was a different time of day and was in the wrong mode. There are likely additional issues that have not revealed themselves yet. I took the vehicle to the local Tesla Service Center on July 25, 2025. They confirmed the reported issues and said it was a problem with the software update, which they would perform onsite while I waited. The service center personnel also stated this was not a firmware issue or anything to do with my car and that it was just the software update. After a few hours, the personnel reported they could not get the update to install and asked that I bring the vehicle back the following week for further diagnostics. Before I brought the vehicle back, I was sent an invoice for approximately $2,300 for replacement of on vehicle's computer. I brought the vehicle back today, July 29, 2025, and asked them to perform the onsite diagnostics they wanted me to bring the vehicle back in for and did not agree to pay for the computer replacement. I also informed the Tesla personnel that, at a minimum, the the back up camera failure is a safety related issued covered for this vehicle under FMVSS 111 and that they were not permitted to charge me for fixing it. The vehicle warranty period recently expired but it is well within the 10-year date of manufacture. Other issues with the vehicle may also qualify as safety related, but the back up camera is clearly one - Tesla recently issued a recall for this very same problem impacting the Model 3, but the recall did not include my model year.

Filed Jul 23, 2025 · Airbags, Driver assistance · TX

The rear camera on my Tesla intermittently fails when shifting into reverse. Additionally, the rear trunk will not open using the in-car release button, mobile app, or key fob. A warning appears stating the function will return on the next drive, but I am often forced to use the emergency release to access the trunk. I believe this may be related to a prior recall involving the rear trunk harness, but when checking my VIN, no active recalls appear. Tesla service also reports no recalls on file. I am also receiving an intermittent fault message regarding the front passenger safety restraint system, stating that service is required. This is a serious concern, as a malfunctioning restraint system may fail to protect occupants in the event of a crash. Tesla has given me an estimate of $225.00 to address the safety restraint fault and $495.27 to repair the trunk/rear camera issues, with a total cost of $739.60 including taxes. I believe that safety-related repairs, especially those involving airbag and restraint systems, should be covered by the manufacturer and not passed on to the vehicle owner when not due to misuse or damage. The passenger restraint fault poses a direct safety hazard in a crash. The rear camera issue, while less severe, still impacts safety, as the camera provides a wider and clearer view than mirrors alone. I am asking the federal safety agency to review whether these issues are safety defects and whether they may be connected to known problems or recalls not applied to my vehicle.

Filed Dec 10, 2024 · Driver assistance · GA

Hello. A recall was issued in 2022 on my vehicle. There was an issue with the wiring harness that would sometimes cause the rear camera feed to be dropped when opening and closing the trunk. According to Tesla, this issue was fixed in 2022 is therefore no longer subject to being fixed again. This issue is occurring again and Tesla is refusing to fix the issue without me paying for it. As this was a recall item, that is reoccurring. I feel that as a safety component that can drop out the rear camera/cross traffic detection system. This is a serious safety concern. the federal safety agency campaign number: 21VO0DO00. Tesla's own number for this recall is SB-21-17-008.

Filed Mar 19, 2024 · Driver assistance, Electrical · CA

The rear view camera has not functioned properly for several months. We did have the rear harness recall work completed, but the camera was working fine at that time and stopped working in Nov sometime after a software update. This is VERY similar to 24V‑035, except that is on 2023 year models only. Why is that campaign limited to 2023 only? There are a lot of complaints on the internet about this issue, and in some cases Tesla charging $3500 to replace a computer in the car. We also have the full automatic driving, same as in the 2023 models recalled. This issue seems to be related to this update, or one about that time period: [XXX]. [XXX] [XXX] I have tried all the wizardry and voodoo mentioned across the web and no results. The rear camera DOES work in live vire mode and in the service mode camera preview - so I know it works. It just does not work while driving/in reverse. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 19, 2023 · Electrical, Visibility · FL

The rear view camera of my car it’s failing intermittently some days work some days don’t. So I found that there is a recall related to this specific issue. the federal safety agency Recall Number 21V-00D then I scheduled a service with Tesla indicating that I’m sending the car for them to honor the recall. They accepted and scheduled the service appointment through the app at $0 cost because obviously it’s their responsibility. Well for my surprise when I arrive to the Tesla Service Center in Coral Gables Florida, the person in charge refused to honor the recall saying that the car it’s not in warranty and that they don’t perform services on recalls even though I was showing them that the recall it’s on my VIN number at the federal safety agency website. Now I’m worried that I may cause an accident because the car may malfunction due to this safety issue with the rear camera. Find attached screenshots of the conversations I had with them where they are basically refusing to properly perform the service for this recall that includes the full inspection of the coaxial cable to see if it’s too damaged and the replacement of the part.

Filed Mar 1, 2023 · Driver assistance, Visibility · TX

The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number 21V00D000 (Back Over Prevention) and 22V702000 (Visibility) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the backup camera was inoperable nearly caused the vehicle to strike a pedestrian. The failure mileage was 48,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Dec 28, 2022 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 14,419 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V00D000 (Electrical System, Visibility, Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced intermittent loss of the back-up camera. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 14,419. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Jun 30, 2022 · Visibility · CA

The rearview camera of the Tesla Model 3 is defective and it will lead to an incident since I rely on it when going in reverse. Tesla issue a recall letter in February 2022 but has not provided an update or dates as to when the solid core coaxial able will be replaced. If you can put pressure on Tesla to replace this part ASAP before someone gets hurt.

Filed Jun 23, 2022 · Electrical · UT

I'm submitting this because my safety recall the federal safety agency # 21V-00D which was sent to me on Feb 15, 2022 has not been serviced in a timely manner by Tesla. The letter I got stated that they would either replace the harness, or install a guide protector for the rearview camera. However they have done neither. When I call them about it, they tell me "everything is fine, there are no repairs available for your car, just keep using it as normal". When I told them that what they were telling me disagreed with the recall notice, they told me to "ignore the recall notice".

Filed May 30, 2022 · Electrical · FL

the federal safety agency Recall No: 21V-00D My vehicle has been affected and suffering from the defect noted by the federal safety agency. For approximately five months I have unsuccessfully attempted to have the defective condition repaired to no avail. Most recently the vehicle was taken to a Tesla Service Center to have to recall performed, however upon arrival I was informed that the parts were not available and the service center informed me incorrectly that the the parts were available. Specifically, the service center advised they did not have a grommet to complete the repair and would not repair the vehicle without the grommet. I was informed that although the service center had the rear camera coaxial cable in stock, which would have repaired the defect the service center would not perform the repair without the rubber grommet as well. Upon being informed the repair would not be completed as previously promised, I requested the alternative repair be performed for safety reasons to prevent the intermittent problem becoming permeant. I requested the "guide protector" be installed as a temporary solution to the rear camera ceasing to function for days at a time after I open and close the trunk. The alternative repair is described at: https://www.tesla.com/support/model-3-trunk-lid-harness-retrofit "How will Tesla repair my car and how long will it take? At no cost to you, Tesla Service will inspect the trunk harness on affected vehicles for wear. If the amount of wear is within the specification for the coaxial cable, Tesla Service will install a guide protector to prevent further wear. If the amount of wear is beyond the specification, Tesla Service will replace the harness and install a guide protector." I have submitted numerous photographs to the Tesla documenting the recalled defective condition that creates an enormous safety hazard. To date the only solution I have is to not use the trunk whenever the camera is actually working.